Does Coffee raise LDL Cholesterol?
Aug 25, 2025
Coffee, Cholesterol, and Your Health: What You Need to Know
For many of us, Coffee is the essential start to the day.
Coffee is a daily ritual that brings warmth, comfort, and even community. It is the friend we rely on in the middle of a busy, fast-paced day to replenish our energy. Yet, as with all habits we integrate in our routine, it is important to pause and ask:
What is this doing to my body?
Coffee can be a powerful source of antioxidants that help boost brain function and physical performance, it also comes with a potential side effect that we cannot ignore: Yes, it can raise LDL Cholesterol.
But, interestingly, it reduces cardiovascular mortality!
The increase in LDL cholesterol is the reason why most doctors tell their patients to stop coffee all together to preserve their cardiovascular health. I don't, because coffee has many benefits we cannot ignore either!
So what can you do if you love your daily coffee?
There is something you need to know: NOT ALL COFFEE RAISE CHOLESTEROL.
What causes the increase in Cholesterol levels with coffee?
Coffee contains natural oils called Cafestol and Kahweol. These compounds can substantially raise LDL cholesterol, especially if coffee is consumed in high amounts.
Does that mean I have to stop drinking coffee?
No, coffee can be beneficial for you when consumed in moderation and without Cafestrol and Kahweol.
It contains 2 powerful substances:
- Polyphenols, antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, neutralize free radicals, and improve blood vessel health. This has been linked to lower risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers.
- Caffeine which stimulates the nervous system, enhances alertness, boosts physical performance, and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Coffee has many health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants
Coffee is one of the largest sources of antioxidants in the modern diet. These compounds, such as polyphenols, help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect cells from damage. - Supports Brain Function & Alertness
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving alertness, attention, reaction time, and short-term memory. It may also protect the brain against age-related decline and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. - Enhances Physical Performance
Caffeine increases adrenaline levels and mobilizes fatty acids from fat tissues, which can improve physical endurance and exercise performance. - Metabolic & Weight Support
Coffee may modestly boost metabolic rate, increasing the number of calories burned at rest. Some studies also suggest it improves insulin sensitivity and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes when consumed without excessive sugar. - Liver Health
Regular coffee consumption has been associated with a lower risk of liver conditions, including fatty liver disease, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. - Mood & Mental Health
Coffee consumption is associated with lower rates of depression and may improve overall mood by stimulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. - Longevity
Large-scale studies suggest that regular, moderate coffee drinkers tend to live longer and have lower risks of premature death from various causes, including cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Not all coffee raise Cholesterol!
THE ANSWER: FILTERED COFFEE
When it comes to cholesterol, the type of coffee you drink makes a difference. Not the brand, not the origin, but how you brew it.
You want to extract the cholesterol raising natural oils Cafestrol and Kahweol from your coffee.
French press, Turkish coffee, or percolator do not filter out cafestol and kahweol.
On the other hand, filtered coffee, made with a paper filter, traps most of these compounds and removes them from your cup and is far less likely to affect cholesterol levels.
And let’s not forget the add-ins. Cream, sugary syrups, or flavored creamers can add hidden saturated fats and sugars that also contribute to higher cholesterol levels.
Other Side effects of Coffee:
- Magnesium depletion. Caffeine acts as a mild diuretic, increasing magnesium excretion through urine and even reducing absorption in the gut. Over time, this can leave your cells short of this vital mineral, impacting energy, muscle function, and resilience to stress.
- Nervousness. For some people, more than 300 mg per day of Caffeine (roughly three cups) can cause insomnia, palpitations, or anxiety. Drinking coffee later in the day often disrupts sleep, and poor sleep alone raises the risk of long-term health problems, from metabolic imbalance to cardiovascular disease. This is more common in young women as caffeine affects progesterone levels.
- High blood pressure. Caffeine can increase blood pressure. Reduce your coffee intake if you have high blood pressure.
What about Expresso?
Expresso coffee coming from an expresso machine is processed through a metal filtered, which is less efficient then paper filter at removing Cafestrol and Kahweol.
How to Minimize the Risks
- Choose filtered coffee. Brewing with a paper filter is the best way to reduce cholesterol-raising compounds.
- Be cautious with unfiltered methods. Limit French press, Turkish coffee, or boiled coffee, which retain more cafestol and kahweol.
- Moderate consumption. Aim for no more than 2 cups a day, especially if you have high cholesterol or trouble sleeping.
- Watch the add-ins. Swap sugary syrups and heavy creamers for healthier options like plant-based milk or a splash of unsweetened almond or oat milk.
- Know your genetics. Some people are more sensitive to coffee’s effects on cholesterol. If heart disease runs in your family, be mindful of your intake.
- Take HIGHBE MAGNESIUM daily to minimize the side effects of coffee on your nervous system and blood pressure.
CONCLUSION
Coffee can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle, but how you consume it and how much you drink matters. If you have high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, or sleep struggles, the type of coffee, the amount you drink, and what you add to it all make a difference. Choosing filtered coffee, moderating your intake, and keeping your cup clean of excess sugar and fat are simple steps that protect your heart and help you get the benefits of coffee without the risks.
In Vibrant Health,
Dr. Evee
Evelyne Leone, DO, FAARFM, ABBARM
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